The story follows the intertwining journeys of three young characters who are reeling in the aftermath of their beloved street mother’s cruel murder. Ultimately, they must choose between the thrills and camaraderie of life as they know it, and the safety and stability of a quieter existence—albeit one potentially defined by isolation and ostracism.

"An affecting and saucily funny new play...The director, Jenna Worsham, has elicited fine work from the entire cast, bringing alive a subculture that's rarely explored with this compassionate detail...'Street Children' addresses with pinpoint emotional clarity how stigmatized, exploited and at risk transgender youth once were—and, particularly those from economically disadvantaged families or conservative cultures—sadly no doubt still are."
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"Blisteringly authentic...'Street Children' is one of those plays that is bound to have a prosperous future...And with a future in mind, the script can be even tighter and even stronger...Director Jenna Worsham captured the time with great ease...Where Worsham could have done more was utilizing the ensemble in a more purposeful manner...'Street Children' is a necessary story that does more than bring awareness of a past. It’s a teaching tool that can inform our future."
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"Scala-Zankel flounders when it comes to crafting drama—overwrought dialogue, meandering scenes—though the piece is a welcome reminder of histories this island still holds…The dance breaks, it turns out, are the best part of the show…Scala-Zankel's dramaturgy could use some of that same rigor. The plot needs a ruthless edit, while the dialogue veers toward the melodramatic, with characters shouting their subtext and leaving little to our imagination."
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"The outstanding diverse ensemble constantly populates the stage, going about their lives and participating in sumptuous scenes of vogue dancing...With vogue as her M.O. or gestus, Worsham perfectly propels the play forward with explosions of energy...It’s worth experiencing the play for the voguing alone, though nothing can take away from the lead characters’ performances...'Street Children' is a timely piece, presented just blocks from where these stories are rooted...Go see it."
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"The production embodies the painful dichotomy of the lives it portrays. Breathtaking scenes of the '80s ballroom culture, alive with vogue, club music, and glittery garb are starkly interrupted by plights of poverty and violence...'Street Children' does not feel like a relic of the past...Pia Scala-Zankel’s dialogue is vibrant and uninhibited. Direction by Jenna Worsham gave the piece a musical fluidity, highlighting the gorgeous talents of the ensemble cast."
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See it if
you want a provocative look into the lives of a family of LGBTQ youth who congregated at NYC's Christopher Street Piers in the late 1980's

Don't see it if
you have a difficult time watching depictions of prostitution, gay-bashing, and other hardships experienced by marginalized LGBTQ youth.

Also
From the scenic and sound design, to the extraordinarily detailed costume design (leg warmers, acid-washed jeans, homemade air-brushed T-shirts, old school Nike high tops, "big hair", thick gold chains... It's all there!), to the authentic dialogue and portrayals by the cast, "Street Children" vividly recreates the underground urban subculture of its unique characters. The acting of both the main and supporting cast is superb and fearless, and their performances are enhanced by a young, energetic, and diverse chorus. We feel the joy when these "street children" dance to Whitney Houston and Evelyn Champagne King . We laugh as they throw shade at each other with lines like "I am so glad we make you feel good about yourself-- because somebody has to!" and "Chanel don't take food stamps!" Most importantly, we feel their pain. While one of the main characters meets with tragedy at the end, there's some hope for the other two. And, like everything else in their lives, it doesn't come easy.... Read moreRead less